Oral Cancer Screening in Renton, WA

What are Oral Cancer Screenings?

Oral cancer can affect adults of any and all ages. Some patients are more at risk of developing oral cancer, like those who smoke or use chewing tobacco. We often recommend an annual oral cancer screening as a way to keep up on your oral health. With early detection, treatment is both easier and more effective.

Why would Oral Cancer Screenings be needed?

Lifestyle factors like smoking and chewing tobacco can increase the risks of developing oral cancer. Even if you’ve quit smoking years ago, it is still important that annual screenings be done. The screening takes just minutes. Even if you’re not a smoker or tobacco user, regular screenings are recommended.

Who is a candidate for Oral Cancer Screenings?

If you’re a smoker or use other tobacco-related products, routine screenings are recommended. If cancer runs in your family, it’s important to get checked. Most adults are good candidates.

What happens during Oral Cancer Screenings?

We perform a dental examination as usual, then lift the tongue to look underneath and visually scan the inside and outside of your mouth, looking for unusual lesions, bumps, and plaque-like film that could be a sign of oral cancer. If anything unusual is detected, we recommend a biopsy. The majority of cancer screenings come out negative, but they are important for catching a problem early.

What Types of Tools Are Used?

Dr. Eric Wagar uses a technology called OralID to inspect your mouth for oral cancer. OralID is manufactured by Forward Science. It uses fluorescence technology, a blue light (435–460 nm) that aids visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer and pre-cancer. Fluorescence technology has other medical applications in highlighting abnormalities of the GI tract, cervix, lung, and skin.